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Catalogue, free, of the cheapest books ever sold. 
Address, HENKEL &C0., New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va. 




— — utym-w 



HENKEL-&-CO-PRINTERS-NEW-MARKET-VA 



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THE BROWN CHEMICAL CO. 
Baltimore, Md. 



fee ^-c o £ 
a c w jc >■ 



A DESCRIPTION 



OF THE 



J* «jii' 



& 



mum 



BY 



DAVID S- KEHSTISIEIL.. 



New Market, Va. : 
Henkel & Co., Printers. 



1880. 






/ tf5 



Victorious at the Centennial Exposition, Philadelphia, 1876.. 
— Triumphant at the Exposition Universelie, Paris, 1 878. 



STIEFF 



Have received the highest encomiums wherever 
they have been introduced. 

MADE OF THE VERY BEST MATERIALS 
THROUGHOUT. 

They are nevertheless offered at prices that will com- 
pare favorably with those of any first-class manufac- 
tory on this continent. The best is always the cheap- 
est, and hence purchasers of 

—STIEFF PIANOS— 

will find a satisfactory equivalent for their money. 

The lasting quality of the instruments is fully 
attested by the many Educational and other Institutions, 
in the Southern States especially, where over 400 are 
in daily use, and by the unanimous verdict of the best 
performers of this and other countries. Terms as 
favorable as is consistent with the times, and every 
instrument fully warranted for five years. 

We are also Sole Agents for the Southern States 
of the 

"MATCHLESS BURDETT" AND OTHER (MANS. 

which speak for themselves. A full supply of every 
style constantly in store, and sold on the most reason- 
able terms. 

Fifty Second-hand Pianos alwa3^s on hand at 
prices ranging from $75 to $300. 

For Illustrated Catalogue, address 

CHAS. M. STIEFF, 
No. 9 North Liberty Street, 
""^^ Baltimore, Md. 



to all those who love the study of nature's 
Beauties, and to the Patrons of New Market 
Endless Caverns, this little Book is dedicated. 



PREFATORY. 



The author consented to attempt a description of 
these Caverns with a full consciousness of the peculiar 
difficulties presented. To keep upon that "happy 
medium," which so many writers have in vain strug- 
gled to preserve, has been the principal aim— how well 
this has been accomplished remains with the generous 
and competent reader to judge. If any has attempted 
a like description and "is without sin, let him cast 
the first stone." 

The writer has striven to be accurate, as far as pos- 
sible, and above all things to avoid that degree of ex- 
aggeration so common in descriptions of this character. 



New Market Endless Cayerns are 
situated four miles South of the town of 
New Market, iu the northeastern part of 
Rockingham Couut.v, Va. At this point, 
Smiths Creek touches the base of the 
Massanutteu Mountain, and winds a lovely 
silver thread through the lands of the 
proprietor of these Caverns, Reuben 
Zirkle, Esq. 

The entrance is from the western slope 
of a hill, only a few hundred yards from 
the creek on the side next to the mountain. 
At the foot of this hill there is a bold 
gushing spring of clear water, which has 
long been a favorite place of resort for 
summer recreation and amusement. Un- 
der the protecting shades of the stately 
oaks, the "light fantastic step" has oft 
kept time with the "concord of sweet 
sounds," and many gay and festive hearts 
have been swelled into rapture with the 



G 

merriments of a summers day. Little, 
however, did they think, that within a few 
hundred feet from this spot was the undis- 
covered doorway to a subterranean field of 

beauty and grandeur, not surpassed by 
anything- known to mau. Nor did they 

imagine that the same stream from which 
they filled their cups, made music for the 
inanimate, yet growing inhabitants of an 
underground world. 

These caverns were discovered by ac- 
cident, on the 19th day of October, 1879, 
and have since been visited by hundreds of 
curiosity seekers, as well as by many per- 
sons devoted to the study of nature. To 
the curious the task of "viewing" these 
caverns is easily accomplished, and a few 
hours of casual rambling will fully satisfy 
them; but those who are fond of prying 
into the mysteries of nature may spend days 
and even weeks in the study of what they 
will find to be truly one of nature's master- 
pieces. 



Persons from a distance, traveling by 
rail, get off of the cars at New Market De- 
pot, where hacks and carriages are always 
in readiness to convey passengers to these 
caverns, at the most reasonable rates. The 
road is good and a little more than an 
hour's drive completes the pleasant trip. 
Unlike many other caves, conveyances may 
be driven to the entrance with entire safety 
and convenience. 

For the information of all, I will state, 
that these caverns may be visited without 
changing the ordinary dress, and ladies will 
find less mud and dampness than are usually 
found in caves. Moreover, these caverns 
are better ventilated than many residences 
in the cities, and the most delicate persons 
need fear no inconvenience from a visit in 
them. 

With some persons there is a sort of 
fear connected with the thought of going 
into caves. This fear is dispelled at once 
when seeing the easy mode of ingress, and 



8 



the great security in the solid arches of 
rock which form the ceilings. 

The temperature of these Caverns is 
pleasant — 56 degrees Fahrenheit, and to 
avoid taking cold it is only necessary, in 
the summer, to allow the system to cool to 
a normal condition before entering, and so 
in the winter before leaving them. 

The proprietor has erected convenient 
and comfortable buildings at the mouth of 
the Caverns, which afford every facility for 
chauge of dress if desired, and nothing will 
be left undone which could add to the 
pleasure and safety of his patrons. 

The eutrance is effected by means of 
an easy descending stairway, and is sixty- 
five feet to Ante-room. 

Whatever may have been expected of 
beauty, grandeur, or sublimity, is fully met? 
and the most timid heart sweetly glides 
into a happy forgetfulness of everything 
else in the world. We look, gaze, wonder, 
and are lost amid inexpressible delight, and 
at the same time experience a painful lack 



9 



of diction with which to express our Dew 
born sensations. These peculiar impressions 
arise from a want, of familiar similitudes 
with which to liken the strange objects 
by which we are surrouuded. 

The room is 25 by 90 feet, with a ceiliug 
20 feet high. Turning south-east, we may 
enter a narrow strait 79 feet long, in which 
are hanging numerous "beefy" lookiug 
objects, forming a kind of pan handle to 
the main room. An upward glance is 
met with thousands of peculiarly formed 
stalactites, which appear to crowd each 
other on the ceiling. Some of these forma- 
tions are gray of age, while others seem to 
blush with youthful vigor— representing 
every age of manhood from the cradle, to 
the grave. On the floor, which at all times 
is perfectly dry, there is quite a number of 
servile looking objects, which have fallen 
from a more exalted plane, or owe their ex- 
istence to the uu consumed calcareous food 
of the great army above. The eye is soon 



10 

attracted to five grand columns which stand 
proudly grouped against the southern 
wall. The most beautiful one of these 
columns stands in rear of the rest, as if to 
withhold its charms from the mere casual 
visitor. It resembles clusters of roses bathed 
in dew— hence the name it bears. " Crystal 
Rose Column."' 

On the North west side of this room, 
is a grand kingly throne protected by an 
immense arch, most beautifully hung with 
drapery. From this point turning abruptly 
to the right, we eater the Sentinel Room, 
or the Straits of Thermopylae, so called be- 
cause the room is long and narrow, with 
quite tall ceiling. Here area tew stalagmites 
which resemble soldiers on guard. On the 
lett under a shelving rock is Lot's wile, 
with a little maid by her side, who seems 
to lament thesituation of the unfortuuately 
curious woman. 

Returning from this room, just in rear 
of the Kings throne, in a beautifully 



11 

adorned grotto, we see ;t snow white rat, 
climbing a brown slender post, and as this 
is the vicinity in which the "Cave Rats" 
were domiciled il is supposed that they came 
here to do reverence to their immortalized 
brother.* 

But we musi uot remain too loug here. 
— Still furtheron, more varied beauties and 
far grander scenery arc in reserve for us. 

From this point the pass way is rather 
too low and narrow to be comfortable, 
though it may be quite easily traversed, 
and the promise of new fields for observa 
tiou and study, so soon to be reached, tend 
to quickly overcome what otherwise might 
be regarded as an unpleasaut little journey. 
The distance by a winding routeis 75 feet to 
Omnibus Room. This room is ~7() feet 



When the Cave was firsl discovered Cav< Ra i 
were seen in considerable numbers, but sine" it has 
been so frequenl ly visited, they have moved their abode 
to .1 more secure place. They very much res ■ able the 
common Norway rat. bu1 are larger with hair on their 
tails, and have a more ferocious look about the e\ is 
and head. 



12 

long, and contains some interesting forma- 
tions. The ceiling however is quite low, 
and the average width but a few feet. The 
ceiling presents a plastered-like appearauce, 
with an occasional cluster of stalactites, 
and here and there a slender column. 

From this room we pass into the ('oat, 
Room ; thence into the iMilkyway, so called 
because it is a narrow but beautifully 
studded arch- way leading to the Duelist. 
Room. Here we find an immense rock, 
which at a remote period was precipitated 
to the floor, called the Band Table, over this 
is suspended a great Mitten, whence this 
room has takeu its name. On the right is 
Lichen Bank, and by turning abruptly to the 
right at this point, Omnibus Room may be 
reached within a few yards. Here, in this 
rather difficult pass way, are some of the 
most lovely formations in the Cave. 

From the Duelist Room, we descend a 
steep declivity under immense rocky falls, 
into Raleigh Pass. This leads us to the 



13 

Tobacco Room. 

This is a large room, as actual measure- 
ment shows, but the floor being so uneven 
and the ceiling so irregular, little of the space 
can be taken into a single view. The at- 
tention is called at once to the numerous 
tobacco leaves which appear to be suspended 
from the walls and ceilings. Everything 
in this room bears the marks of great age, 
and while studying the surroundings, the 
mind is carried back to antediluvian times. 

We leave this room by ascending a steep 
stair way, and persons whose avoirdupois 
is more than 300 lbs. are called upon to 
contract, as they must squeeze their way 
through what lias been vulgarly, but most 
appropriately, called the Fat Man's Misery. 
At the end of this narrow strait, the visitor's 
attention is diverted from the main pass 
way and is directed to the left, a distance of 
150 feet beyond, to the 

Br<dwn Room. 
This room is 65 by 100 feet, though the 



14 



low ceilings, iilregular floor, and the many 
massive columns so obstruct the view, as 

to cause it to appear smaller than it 
really is. 

The entire distance from (lie main pass 
to this room is studded with objects of great 
interest, many of which challenge the wis- 
dom and sagacity of the most learned 
scientists. On the floor are seen many 
artistically tinted water receptacles, while 
other portions of the floor seem to have 
been formed under the influence of an 
ebbing and flowing tide. 

The formations in this room being 
mostly of a brown or bronze cast, have 
suggested its name; and although there 
may be little in the name it bears, still, but 
for the comparatively low ceilings, it would 
be the most handsome room in the Cave. 

Some of the columns are immense in 
size, and suggest to the mind the architect- 
ure of the primitive ages. The stalactites 
appear in clusters on the plastered ceilings, 



15 

and vary in color,— dark brown, light brown, 
brouze, rose tint, and pare white, all gouped, 
as it were, in the same family. Besides 
these, there are numerous mammillary 
formations of pure white, with crests of 
crimson, which nourish the growth of 
stalagmites dark in color, and insignificant 
in form. 

Our time exhausted, we will return 
with the visiter to the main pass way 
which has been most appropriately called 
A LPINE Pass. 

This for picturesque scenery, tall ceil- 
ings, deep ravines, immense boulders, and 
grand avalanches is unsurpassed by any 
thing in the underground world. We pursue 
this wild rugged pass way 95 feet, where 
we turn to the right and ascend a steep ac- 
clivity, <I0 feet to 

Bear Track Hall. 

Here are found, imbedded in stone, the 

tracks of a bear, which in ages gone by, 
doubtless traversed these subterranean 



16 



vaults. It is quite a mystery, and will 
likely remain so, as to how this anima* 
effected its ingress, — the only opening, yet 
discovered, being by far too small to admit 
a body of such great proportions. The room 
is 25 by 60 feet, with a ceiling perhaps 3q 
feet high. Near the top of the stairway, on 
the left, against the wall, is seen a most 
singular formation of mottled colors, — 
brown and pink, seemingly tinged with 
gore. At the top of the ascent, on the right 
there is a pellucid pool of water on the sum- 
mit of an oval-shaped rock. This pool is 3 
feet long, 18 inches wide, and 1 foot deep. 
We named this the pool of Narcissus, as it 
looks more like a mirror than water. It is 
not only clear, but deceptive; so much so, 
that persons, lying down to drink from it, 
have submerged their entire faces before 
thinking they had reached the water. 
This usually arouses the victim from his 
dream, and thus, no one has as yet, become 
fatally enamored of his own charms. 

Beyond and above the pool— far off — 



17 

alone, and in subdued light, stands a column, 
mystic in form, called the " Veiled Prophet." 

After returning to Alpine Pass, we 
advance but a few steps, and turn to the left 
through a short but difficult route, to Pad- 
Lock Spring. Though of interest to the 
Cave explorer, this spring can never become 
noted by visitors generally. It has derived 
its name from the resemblauce it bears in 
shape, to a pad-lock. 

We again return to Alpine pass, only 
to leave it at a different angle, and we 
travel by a zig-zag route 180 feet through 
inconvenient surroundings, to 

Brock's Crystal Falls. 

This room was named for its discoverer, 
and though not large in circumference, still 
its bight is great, and contains many 
beautiful formations. The wall in front of 
the entrance is white and presents the ap- 
pearance of a frozen cataract. Under the 
floor, which is only a kind of bridge over a 



18 

small Take, are formed numerous crystals,, 
hard as adamant, and somewhat variegated 
in color. This room is usually passed by r 
on account of its distance from the main 
path, and as few persons like to travel 
twice over the same road, especially when 
the anxiety is intensified with prospects so 
bright as are to be seen in Alpine Pass, to 
which we hasten our return. 

Continuing through Alpine Pass, which 
is 185 ft. long, with ceiling varying from 30 
to 60 ft. high, there comes into view, among 
other objects of interest, Apollo's Harp, 
which gives forth a strange succession of 
musical sounds, when a stick is drawn 
across it rapidly. Here, also, we find the 
" Mermaid's Cave," — a series of mesotype 
formations, resembling the oft pictured re- 
treats of the maids of the sea. From this 
point we enter 

Yosemite Valley. 

This room, which is 90 ft. square, with 
a ceiling 50 ft. high, proudly competes with 



19 

Alpine Pass, and, with many bears off the 
palm. The sceuery is wild and romantic. 
Large boulders lie heaped in massive piles, 
while deep chasms yawn out, (seemingly 
disturbed in their long night of darkness,) 
whispers of dissatisfaction and warning to 
rude and thoughtless intruders. 

There are few formations in this room 
and little to attract those who expect to find 
a stalactite or stalagmite at every turn or 
corner in a cave. It is this peculiarity that 
makes this one of the most interesting and 
wonderful caves yet discovered. It is said, 
44 Variety is the spice of life," and we un- 
hesitatingly affirm, that there is greater 
variety in these caverns, than can be found 
elsewhere. We name but one object in this 
room, the Gnome's Home. It is so called, 
because it seems that some weird being has 
been at work here, forming wonders too 
strange for description. 

Passing under a grand Chandelier, into 
a narrow but quite short avenue, we enter 



20 



Alexanders Ball Room. 

This room is 55 by 75 ft., with ceiling 
handsomely proportioned. There are few 
stalactites on the ceiling, which is arched 
of solid limestone rocks, and presents the 
appearance of antiquated frescoing. On 
the left of the entrance is a chariot, which 
except the wheels, is quite perfectly formed. 
Close by is seen an immense weeping wil- 
low, growing out, as it were, of a clearly 
defined bed of a stream, which has long 
since deserted this room. On the right is 
a stupendous hanging column, irregular in 
form, and measuring 90 ft. in circumference. 
This column is only about 12 inches from 
the floor, while the circuit is easily made. 
This hanging pyramid, whose base adheres 
to the ceiling, strikes all who visit these 
caverns with astonishment. Here the phi- 
losopher may vainly stretch his theories 
into threadbare problems of thought, and 
still not solve the mysteries which cling 
around this seemingly inverted law of na- 



21 



ture. Standing on the right of this column, 
and casting the eye upwards, some 15 ft. 
from the floor, we see "Bucephalus" — the 
carcass of a horse, lodged upon shelving 
rocks, lying on its back, with head down- 
ward and legs distended, as if struggling 
for relief from its rocky prison. 

Leaving this room, we pass by a grand 
piano of rock, with Orchestra Chairs on the 
right, — these quite well complete the furni- 
ture of this room, which has been dedica- 
ted to the World's Conqueror. From this 
room we pursue. our journey a distance of 
90 ft., and enter 

Solomon's Temple. 

Here, on the left of the entrance, we 
see the " Celestial Window." But a few 
paces farther, and we may enter the Queen's 
Betreat, a beautiful little room, with a snow 
white floor, though difficult of access. On 
the right is the Queen of Sheba's Pass. In 
this room, there are some immense brown or 



22 



bronze columns, which handsomely adorn 
the temple. From this room, we desceud a 
steep stairway, 100 ft. to Lethe's Stream. 
At the foot of the path leading to the 
stream, on looking up — a distance of more 
than 100 feet — between the immense col- 
umns of stone, persons above are plainly 
visible, whilst down at our feet is a large 
brook, whose loud rippling waters gladly 
greet us— a brook as clear as crystal ; — 
and so sweet and refreshing are its waters, 
to the now somewhat wearied visitor, that 
we think the name quite appropriate. At 
this point, we are more than 2,000 ft. from 
the entrance, and have a journey of near 
3,000 ft. still to make. After a few mo- 
ments' rest, we will continue our tour, 
with the visitor, through a somewhat te- 
dious pass wa3 T , 165 ft. to 

Neptune's Grotto. 
This is a most handsome cluster of 
bronze and pink columns, adorned with Un- 
dine's Fountain, which is protected by a 



23 

group of mottled formations. On the right, 
but a short distance, is the " Devil's Hole," 
an immense chasm, of forbidding appear- 
ance ; at the same time, our anxiety is only 
increased, as we gaze into its dark vaults, 
by the utter impossibility of exploring its 
hidden wonders. 

The distance from this point, through 
the Ten-Pin Alley is 150 feet to 

St. Paul's Cathedral. 

The Cathedral is 45 by 60 feet, and con 
tains handsome representations of cloisters, 
adorned with massive pillars, while near 
the entrance, the grand pulpit, encircled 
with fluted columns, suggests the peculiar 
fitness of the name it bears. The pulpit 
measures 17 ft. in circumference, and is 
about 10 ft. high. The large bell, which is 
located at the opposite end of the room, 
rings out mournful sounds, when struck 
with a stone. From the Cathedral, the 
distance is short, to where we enter the 



24 



Diamond Room. 

The first part of this room is 90 by 20 
ft. and forms a sort of Vestibule to the maiu 
room, which is 75 by 210 ft., with a ceiling 
50 or GO ft. high. In this room is fouud the 
greatest variety of formations in the Cave- 
The floor, or at least a considerable part of 
it, is covered with "diamonds," which shine 
most brilliantly uuder the light of candles. 
These u diamonds" are constantly forming, 
and during some periods of the year, are 
partially covered with water. The water 
is held in pools, some 6 inches deep, with 
beautifully fluted walls, all bedecked with 
these bright shining objects. In this room, 
we again find formations of variegated col- 
ors—brown, pink, and white. Here is seen 
the Melting Column, and near by the Snow 
Drift, which for its beauty, and perfect re- 
semblance to an immense heap of snow, 
slightly sprinkled with dust, is unsurpassed 
either by nature or by art. Farther on, in 
this room, we see quite a number of Wa- 



25' 

ter Falls, wbit-h appear to have been so sud- 
denly frozen as to retain the perfect Form 
of the living; cataract. 

"The cataract, that like a giant wroth. 
Rushed down impetuously, as seized at once 
By sudden frost, with all his hoary locks 
stood still." 
Here the visitor should move slowly, and 
take a careful survey of this, the grandest 
field for observation and study in the Cav- 
erns. Far up on the right may be seen a 
series of formations, rich in color, many of 
which resemble beautifully frosted or stain- 
ed glass. 

Leaving this room, we are led, through 
a rough yet convenient way, to 
Gheber's Temple. 
Here we see a large number of stalag- 
mites, grouped in front of the immense 
columns, which remind us of the Ancient 
Fire Worshipers. These columns are quite 
stately in appearance, and in some respects 
the most interesting in the Caverns. They 
are of brown and pink colors, partly silver- 



26 



ed with grey ; while the fluting and rich 
drapery are so artistically hung about them, 
as to remind us of a marriage toilet of* the 
gods and goddesses. 

In this room \ve find also the Illumina- 
ted Castle. This the artist might imitate, 
but could never excel. The different colors 
of stone, so beautifully blended and grand- 
ly proportioned, adornetl with the most 
lovely tapestry, imposes so completely on 
the senses, that it is difficult to believe that 
it is not wholly the work of the most tasty 
designer. From this point, we enter 
Cleopatra's Hall. 

This room is 40 by 160 ft., with quite 
an imposing ceiling. The stalagmites in 
this room are usually small, but at the same 
time of the most interesting character. — 
They are located principally on shelving 
rocks and resemble pigmies in a scattered 
and dismayed condition. Here, we see Cle- 
opatra's Needle standing by the side of a 
ravine. Just beyond the Needle is 



Marble Hall. 
This room takes its name from the 
many white formations iu it, some of which 
resemble immature statuary. The Invert- 
ed Crown, iu this room, attracts the atten- 
tion of every visitor. It is about 4 ft. high, 
with a diameter of 3 ft. Far down, under a 
great rock, we see (Jupid and Psyche; and 
from this point, looking obliquely to the 
left, we see the most beautiful formations 
in the Caverns, except those we shall soon 
in vain attempt to describe. This room is 
40 by 150 ft., and is last in the series of 
large rooms now open to visitors. From the 
east side of this room, we turn to the left, 
and are conducted through a narrow pass 
way, to 

Diamond Lake. 

Here the beauties of these Caverns 
reach their climax. Like the scenes of a 
well arranged drama, they have been in- 
creasing all the while, until now they reach 
the zenith of their grandeur and sublimity. 



28 



Diamond Lake is about 15 feet square, 
and varies from 6 to 18 inches in depth. 
Here the ceiling seems to have lowered 
itself, so that the delicately formed stalac- 
tites might meet their kindred groups 
below. Rosettes are formed on the top of 
the water where this union has been 
effected. The water is perfectly clear, and 
is held in a basin of diamonds. When 
light is thrown upon it, myriads of stars 
shoot out dazzling rays, while the roof is 
fretted with transparent brilliancies, — all 
making a picture which words can never 
describe. 

I have seen and admired the workman- 
ship of the cultured architect, — I have 
gazed upon the paintings of the most 
skillful artists, and have seen the shadow 
vieing in almost successful struggles with 
the natural substance, — I have stood on 
the beach and looked out upon the blue 
waters of the sea, and have seen undulating 
waves studded with the golden trinkets of 



29 



a noon-day's sun ; but never did richer 
beauties or more dazzling charms greet my 
eyes than those I beheld in this lake — the 
home of the fairies, the haven of the 
nymphs. 

From the Diamond Lake, we return to 
the Main Pass, and may pursue our journey 
more than 500 ft., though there are many 
difficult points on the pass. This part of the 
cave is not yet open to visitors. It would 
require a great deal of labor to put it in a 
condition entirely comfortable and free 
from danger. The rooms are quite commo- 
dious, and in some of them the formations 
will compare favorably with any in the 
Caverns. In most of these rooms, there are 
immense chasms, perhaps, 200 ft. deep, in 
which are distinctly heard the noise of cata- 
racts, singing lullabies for the weird look- 
ing objects, which stand idly upon the 
brink of destruction. The floors, in this 
part of the Caverns, are principally of 
a crustaceous character. The sonorous 



30 

sounds, produced by stepping upon them, 
speak notes of warniug to the anxious ex- 
plorer, and admonish him that it is time to 
end his journey. There is yet one room to 
which we would call the explorer's attention 
— we say explorer, — as none but the daring 
aud curious will reach this point, until the 
route is greatly improved. We call it the 

Eace Track, 
for want of a more appropriate name. — 
There is an immense rock around which a 
complete circuit may be made. The track 
is about 10 ft. wide. The walls, on each 
side, rise perpendicularly and close with 
the ceiling. The distance around the track 
is about 200 ft., while the floor is level and 
the walls so smooth, that they appear to 
have been dressed by the hand of the skill- 
ed mechanic. 

There are many other rooms in these 
Caverns, which will, perhaps, at some day 
be made accessible. It is, however, quite 
questionable, whether it would be good 



31 



policy to enlarge the field to the visiting 
public. The circuit is now near three miles 
in extent, and to make it greater, would im- 
pose an unpleasant task upon visitors. — 
There are more than five acres of opening 
now to be surveyed, and no one mind can 
possibly retain all that is to be seen. 

We will not say that these Caverns 
are larger and grauder, and more beautiful 
than any other caverns in the world. We 
will, however, hazard the assertion that 
in many respects, these Caverns will com- 
pete favorably with any others yet discov- 
ered, and that in some respects, they are 
greatly superior. 

We acknowledge the kind assistance of Miss C. 
R. Stricter and Elon O. Henkel in the preparation of 
this little book. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. 



We copy but a few extracts from the 
press, though many columns have been 
written, from which we might select the 
most flattering descriptions. 

From the (New Market, Va.,) Shenandoah Valley. 

The New Market Endless Caverns were fortuit- 
ously discovered October 19, 1879, on the farm of 
Reuben Zirkle, in Northeast Rockingham, 4 miles 
South of New Market, Va., and 6 miles Southeast of 
New Market Station, B. & O. R. R. — good roads lead- 
ing to and from the station and all other points. These 
caverns recently explored and fully pkepaeed for the 
reception of visitors, extend 1 mile in a southerly di- 
rection and in viewing all the splendid rooms,— east 
and west from the main southern line, —complete a 
circuit of 3 miles. In this exhibition, artistic nature 
presents the most mysterious formations— majestic 
columns, supporting boundless ceilings, — graceful sta- 
lactites and stalagmites, crowding together in pleasing 
profusion — splendidly tesselated floors, crystal springs, 
the rippling brook, and diamond lake, — which form one 
of her grandest pictures, dazzling the eye and defying 
the powers of description. These caverns have al- 
ready been visited by hundreds of persons from all 
parts of the American continent, pleasing all and 
evoking expressions of decided preference for them on 



account of fat peculiarities presented— peculiarities 
which render them entirely different and superior to 
any in the world. Buildings have been erected over 
the entrance with an observatory, which command a 
full and picturesque view of the prettiest portion of 
the magnificent and historic Shenandoah Valley— the 
view including that portion of the battle field from 
which the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute 
made their first charge in the Battle of New Market— 
Generals Breckinridge and Seagle being the hostile 
leaders. These buildings afford ample accommoda- 
tion for reception, cloak roo ns, &c, within fOO yards 
of which is one of the largest springs of cool, sparkling 
water in the Valley, surrounded by a beautiful grove, 
adding much to the gratification of visitors. Hacks 
will always be in waiting at the New Market Station 
to convey any who may wish to see these most won- 
derful of all caverns. 

C-IT Round trip tickets — at greatly reduced rates— ran 
be secured over the B. & 0. E- B.—to these caverns. 



From the (New York City,) New York Herald. 
Newly Discovered Wonders. — About six miles 
southeast from New Market Station, in the foothills of 
the Massanutten range and on the land of Mr. Reuben 
Zirkle, a farmer of independent means, indications of 
a cavern have been noticed for years. A few weeks 
ago Mr. Zirkle and one or two members of his family 
were strolling about the place, and, removing a few 
stones that they thought might cover an aperture, re- 
vealed a jagged opening descending almost perpen- 
dicularly. Having procured lights they descended, 



34 



and at the depth of thirty feet found themselves in a 
roomy chamber. Exploration has been vigorously 
prosecuted by Mr. Zirkle and his two sons, J. C. and 
A. E., and they have up to this date penetrated to the 
distance of nearly a mile in a direct line. The descent 
into the first chamber is now made easy by means of 
a wooden stairway. This apartment is about 100 ft. 
in length, and its ceiling, which is 12 or 15 feet high, 
is studded with pure white stalactites of mammary or 
beet-shaped form. A side room, 15 feet wide and 
high, with a smoothly arched ceiling, extends from 
this for a considerable distance. Proceeding through 
a long passage varying from 3 to 4 feet in width and 
from 5 to 7 in height, and crossing at right angles a 
long, low gallery, tben going through a larger passage 
and making a sharp turn, the second hall is reached. 
This is 25 feet wide, 200 feet long and from 25 to 50 
feet high, with smooth walls. Stepping then to a 
much lower level a room is entered which is of a very 
irregular form and cumbered with enormous blocks of 
rock which have fallen from the roof. In the ceiling 
is a wide fissure extending upward out of sight. On 
leaving this scene of chaos the course is to a level 50 
feet higher through an intricate system of chambers, 
the largest 40 by 60 ft. and 15 ft. high. Descending 
from thence over a succession of shallow basins which 
in rainy seasons are filled with water you come first to 
a hall 100 feet in length, with a smooth vaulted ceiling, 
and from this pass into a grand chamber 500 feet long, 
50 feet wide and 30 feet high, with a floor covered 
with angular masses of stone. An apartment follow- 
ing is about 40 feet high, 300 feet long and 40 feet 



35 



wide, and this is succeeded by a room 100x50 feel and 
15 feet high. From this a beautiful arched passage 
leads to a chamber 50x50 feet and 30 feet high, in 
which one of the wonders of the cave is to be seen. — 
The floor is divided by an immense fissure which ex- 
tends in a semi-circular form to the next apartment. — 
A stairway has been constructed to the bottom of the 
fissure, fifty or 60 feet below, where is found a stream 
of pellucid water five or six feet in width." 

From the (Rockville, Maryland,) Montgomery 

County Sentinel. 

"A few moments' ride brought us to this most 
wonderful and gigantic freak of nature. The entrance 
to the caverns is from an elevated position. Imme- 
diately over the entrance a substantial building has 
been erected. The building contains ladies' and gen- 
tlemen's dressing rooms, a ball room, an observatory 
and a refreshment room. In a little while our party, 
consisting of three guides and ourselves, were ready 
for the descent. Each person having been provided 
with a tin reflector, each reflector containing three 
lighted candles, whilst one of the guides was further 
provided with a leather satchel hung over his shoulder 
and filled with candles to be used in case of any emer- 
gency. It is here proper to add that the novelty and 
excitement of making a circuit of three miles under 
ground was not altogether unattended'with some ner- 
vousness. The varied splendor and magnificence of 
the chambers, corridors, Alpine passes, and romantic 
and frowning ravines and weird abysses passing be- 
fore our vision in the short space of three hours has 



36 



so crowded the plate of memory that we will not be 
able to give but a faint and minute description of our 
visit through these caverns. Persons who have visited 
other caves for the purpose of giving a well defined 
and correct view of their formations, beauties, and 
wonders spent weeks in preparing an intelligent and 
accurate description of some of their most conspicuous 
and marvelous charms and scenes." 



From the (Harrisonburg, Va.,) Spirit of the Valley. 

This portion of the Shenandoah Valley is just now 
in a feverish state of excitement over the recent dis- 
covery of another great subterranean wonder, rivalling 
in very many respects the celebrated Luray Caverns, 
first brought to the notice of the world by a graphic 
description in the New York Herald. This new won- 
der is located in the County of Rockingham, in the 
range of hills lying immediately at the base of the 
Massanutten mountain, about 4 miles southeast of New 
Market, and about 14 miles from the Luray Cave, the 
entrance being from a higher point than its competitor, 
which will doubtless be visited in common with the 
thousands who come here to examine the wonder un- 
der the ground. 

When the Queen of Sheba saw for herself the 
glories and magnificence of Solomon's Temple, she ex- 
claimed "the half had not been told her." The.. reader 
after feeding on descriptions in newspapers of the 
Massanutten Caverns, will then have to go and see 
them for himself, and he will find that "the half has 
not been told him." 



ESTABLISHED 1846. 

WM. MANUST, 

Wholesale Dealer in all kinds of 

AMERICAN CLOCKS, 

AND MANUFACTURER OF 

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and Mantel Mirrors, Walnut and Gilt. 

A full line of German, French and American 

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Also, Picture Frame Mouldings, Walnut, Imita- 
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3EWU1PS© ipa©^^^ &m>&mmm„ 

And Picture Frames of every description made to 
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No. 42 S. Charles St., Near Lombard, 

BALTIMORE, 2&JD. 
Wm, J. C. DuLANY & Co., 

STATIONERS' AND BOOKSELLERS' WAREHOUSE, 

SCHOOL BOOKS A SPECIALTY. 

©TATOOMliKV ®F ALL &OM®g a 

Wrapping Papers, Twines, Bonnet Boards, 
Paper Blinds. 

332 W. BALTIMORE STREET, 

BALTIMORE, MD, 



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Price of this pamphlet 10 cts., post-paid, Address, 
HENKEL Si CO. New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va. 

CAwmm ami 
CAEPET PAPERS ! ! 



Light Weight, 9 cts. per square yard. 
Heavy Weight, 13 cts. per square yard. 
Very Heavy Weight, 16 cts. per square yard. 



This paper is made especially for families, and is 
used to great advantage under Carpet, Matting, and 
Oil Cloth causing them to wear as long again, deaden- 
ing sound and being impervious to air, makes the 
house much warmer in winter; thereby saving its 
cost in fuel the first year. It is very durable and need 
not be renewed for years. It may be used under roof, 
to good advantage. Call and examine it. 

HENKEL & CO., 

Dealees in all Kinds of 

Printers' Paper, Cards, Envelopes, Tags, k, 

New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va. 

B. M. €M3HMDISST 9 

(Formerly of Staunton, Va.) 

Fine Photographs, 

FROM ALBUM TO LIFE SIZE. 

Gallery, Art, Reception, and Opening Rooms, 
with all the latest conveniences and improvements, on 

66 Lexington, Near Charles Street, 

BALTIMORE, MD. 



BALTIMORE LABEL PRESS. 



pUGGENHEIMEF^ & WeIL, 

StafioKors, Primfen, 

Litliograpliers. Engravers, and Binders, 

177 W. BALTIMORE ST BALTIMORE, MD.,, 

The Printing of Wedding Cards a Specialty. 

Printing Office, 17 Light Street. 



A. HL MltAOKLOi 



^9 
14 GERMAN STREET BALTIMORE, MD. 

Dealer in all Kinds of 

Paper, Cart Board, Printers' Cards, and Fancy Cards 

OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, 

CARPET PAPERS, 

—ALL WEIGHTS.— 
This paper makes a house warmer and saves carpet. 

Agents Wanted for it in every Town. 



This Book, at\ft cents, post-paid by the Publishers. 

REGULAR DAILY STAGE AND MAIL LINE 

TO AND FROM 

NEI MARKET DEPOT AID DM 



:0: 



Persons visiting New Market and vicinity, or the 
celebrated NEW MARKET ENDLESS and LURAY 
CAVERNS will find my 

Livery Stables 

fully equipped with 

Carriages, Buggies, Wacks, 

Phaetons, Buggies, Wagons, &c, 

in good order and in the hands of careful drivers, who 
are familiar with the country. 

B. & 0. R. R. round trip Excursion Tickets to the above 
Caverns only good (at any time) over my line. 

Write in advance for any desired particulars. — 
Special rates to EXCURSION PARTIES. 

©ITLIVERY furnished to any point, on applica- 
tion by Mail, Telegram or otherwise. — Charges 
moderate. 

Jno. W. Burke, 

NEW MARKET, Shenandoah County, Va. 



This Book, at 10 cents, postpaid by the Publishers. 
OFFICE ESTABLISHED 1806. 

Bq<ok ahb Job Printing. 

Letter and Billheads, Statements, Envelopes and Tags. 

Circular and School Catalogue Printing a Specialty. 

Visiting Cards— over 30 kinds— 40 cts. to $1.50 per 100. 

Notes, promissory and negotiable, Drafts — 50 cts. 100. 

Trial Order— 100 Choice Envelopes and 100 Sheets 

of Paper with your Business Card neatly 

printed on them for $1.25. 

Our Church Paper, — a strictly Lutheran Journal — 
Weekly ; 28 columns ; $1.60 per year. 

Our Sunday School, — an Illustrated Child's Paper, — 

Monthly ; 25 cents, per year — 5 copies, per 

year, $1.10 — 10 copies, per year, $2.50. 

Idothea ; or, The Divine Image— the finest Poetical 
Work in the English Language, $1.50 postpaid. 

Memorial Elegy, on the battle of New Market, May 
15th, 1864, and a Edlogy on the Life and Char- 
acter of Gen. John C. Breckinridge, deliv- 
ered at New Market, Va., May 15th, 1877; and 
a copy of a Historical Review of Shenan- 
doah Co., Va., delivered by Prof. Joseph 
Salyards, A. M., at Woodstock, Va., 
July 4th, 1876— the two for 10 cts. 

A Historical Sketch of Sunday Schools, by Rev. 
L. A. Fox, A. M. Price 5 cents. 

Henkel & Co., New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va. 



This Book, -at li) cents, postpaid by the Publishers. 



J. J. Bowman, Prest. Jno. Zigler, Treas. 

J. W. Basore. Seo'ry, Jos. Srtckel, Supt- 

TKEE ZBZROAXTW'.A.Y 

}&Aty\J FACTORING COMPANY, 
"Broadway, Rockingham Couriiy, Virginia, 

IRON FOUNDERS, MACHINISTS 

And Manufacturers of 

Plows, Plow Castings, Mill Irons of every Description, 

Circular Saw Mills, Sliafting, Pulleys. Couplings, 

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Wagon Skeins with Linch-Kns, Wagon 

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Descriptive Oatatogve Free. Address «s Above. 

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NEW MARKET, VA., (Main Street,) 

For THE CHOICEST CIGARS AD TOBACCO, 

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LISTED FANCY XXRinXTKS, 

MMwaukee Beer, 10 Cts. a Bottle. 

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will be filled at a low price, with goods guaranteed. 

Liquors by the Measure or Drink. 



W This Book, at 10 cents, post paid, by the Publishers; 
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LIFE AND FIRE INSURANCE AGENT. 

Representing- First-Class Companies Only. 
Office : — Telegraph and Post-office, New Market, Va. 

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ATTORNE1T J±T IL.-A.'W, 

New Market, . Virginia. 

Practices in the Courts of this and adjoining Counties. 

POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, 

kuw MARKET, va^aa^o^o 

Thorough, Practical, Moral, Cheap. — Nine Months,. 
(Board, everything included and Tuition) from $135 
to $145. Efficient Corps of Professors ; Healthful 
Location. For catalogue and particulars, address the 
President. REV. S. HENKEL, D. D., 

New Market, Shenandoah County, Va. 

OFFICE ESTABLISHED 1806. 



SHEI<3"A.l>Q"IDOA.I3: "V^ILI^E^r. 



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Sample copies free. Address > 

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OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE- 




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MANUFACTURER OF ALL KINDS OF 

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Address, HENKEL & CO., New Market, Shanendoah Co., Va. 



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